Hearing device with model control and associated methods

Abstract

A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and a memory unit, wherein the memory unit is configured to store model data comprising model information data indicative of available models for the hearing device, the model information data comprising first model information; wherein the processing unit is configured to: verify the model data, and reject the model data if verification of the model data fails.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A hearing device comprising:
 a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and 
 a memory unit, wherein the memory unit is configured to store data that is associated with the hearing device; 
 wherein the hearing device is configured to communicate with an electronic device, and 
 wherein the processing unit is configured to:
 obtain information from the electronic device, the information associated with a verification performed based on the data, and 
 allow the hearing device to be set based on the information from the electronic device; 
 
 wherein the data comprises a model information data and/or a model identifier, and wherein the verification is based on the model information data and/or the model identifier. 
 
     
     
       2. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to allow the hearing device to be set by receiving fitting data to configure the hearing device. 
     
     
       3. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to change model data in response to a signal transmitted by the external device. 
     
     
       4. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to change model data in response to a change in a functionality of the hearing device. 
     
     
       5. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to perform the verification by verifying the data. 
     
     
       6. The hearing device according to  claim 5 , wherein the processing unit is configured to verify the data by verifying a signature. 
     
     
       7. The hearing device according to  claim 6 , wherein the signature is that of the data. 
     
     
       8. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the memory unit is configured to store a manufacture unit identifier. 
     
     
       9. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to proceed to a model update mode or a non-operative mode of the hearing device if the verification fails. 
     
     
       10. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the model information data is indicative of available model(s) for the hearing device. 
     
     
       11. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the memory unit is configured to store a hearing device identifier. 
     
     
       12. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a handheld device, a tablet, a computer, a phone, or a USB. 
     
     
       13. The hearing device according to  claim 12 , wherein the electronic device is configured for use by the user of the hearing device. 
     
     
       14. The hearing device according to  claim 12 , wherein the electronic device is configured for use by a dispenser. 
     
     
       15. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is configured for use by the user of the hearing device. 
     
     
       16. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is configured for use by a dispenser. 
     
     
       17. A hearing system comprising the hearing device of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       18. The hearing system according to  claim 17 , further comprising the electronic device. 
     
     
       19. The hearing system according to  claim 18 , wherein the electronic device is configured to communicate with a server. 
     
     
       20. The hearing system according to  claim 18 , wherein the electronic device comprises a handheld device, a tablet, a computer, a phone, or a USB. 
     
     
       21. The hearing system according to  claim 20 , wherein the electronic device is configured for use by the user of the hearing device. 
     
     
       22. The hearing system according to  claim 20 , wherein the electronic device is configured for use by a dispenser. 
     
     
       23. The hearing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the data in the memory is provided by a manufacturing device. 
     
     
       24. A hearing system comprising the hearing device of  claim 23 . 
     
     
       25. The hearing system of  claim 24 , further comprising the manufacturing device. 
     
     
       26. A hearing device comprising:
 a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and 
 a memory unit, wherein the memory unit is configured to store data that is associated with the hearing device; 
 wherein the hearing device is configured to communicate with an electronic device; 
 wherein the processing unit is configured to:
 obtain information from the electronic device, the information associated with a verification performed based on the data, and 
 allow the hearing device to be set based on the information from the electronic device; 
 
 wherein the processing unit is configured to perform the verification by performing a check function based on the data stored in the memory unit; and 
 wherein the processing unit is configured to perform the verification based on a model name and/or a model identifier. 
 
     
     
       27. The hearing device according to  claim 26 , wherein the processing unit is configured to obtain model information by selecting the model information from available model information that corresponds to the model name and/or the model identifier.